5 Nights/4 Days in Crete; Itinerary Help
 

As a part of our vacation in May we will be spending 5 Nights/4 Days in Crete.

Here is the basic itinerary I have sketched out but any comments about what to add in/take out or how realistic/unrealistic we are being would be much appreciated.

Day 1: Arrive Chania via air at 5:50pm by from Athens; taxi to hotel from evening and attempt to recover from international travel; Night in Chania

Day 2: Spend day exploring Chania by foot; Night in Chania

Day 3: Pick up rental car and go ????? (we are not interested in Samaria Gorge). Would love to get some suggestions how to spend the day and where to spend the evening.

Day 4: Drive to Phaestos, Ayia Triadha, Matala; evening in Heraklion

Day 5: Visit Knossos, explore Heraklion by foot, Drop off rental car; Night Heraklion

Day 6: FlyingCat to Santorini

I am really not sure what to see on Day 3. It will be Mid May so beaches are out, but we are open to pretty much any other suggestions that folks may have for that day or any other. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

It will actually probably be quite warm in Crete in Mid may and a beach day is quite possible. Teh water may be a tad cold but if it is sunny you can go to the beach.
Here are some suggestions for a short day trip from Chania.

Falassarna beach is lovely and no more than an hour drive on the National Road west from Chania.

For quaint villages head east EAST of Chania about 15-20 KM on main highway, turn of at sign for VAMOS... explore a traditional village. Then move from there to the 2 lovely sandy beaches, Almerida and Khalives, where there are nice taverns. On the way back look for the villages of Khalives and Gavalchora.
Here are our pictures of Chania.
You can easily spend two days unwinding here.
http://travel.webshots.com/album/571195659jPcKjK

Thanks Stanbr, I will look into those options.

I think we would like to continue making our way south/east on day 3 after Vamos and spend the night outside of Chania. Any other suggestions?

Any thoughts where to spend our 3rd night that will put is in a good position to see Phaestos etc the next day?

Sorry we got to Plakias and just stopped for 4 nights just to spend time on that beach and explore the area, never got to Matala

Hi Jersey --- usually I check in BEFORE stanbr, and then later on (he's 3 hours West) he gets to correct & amend me :D ... I'm going to be in Crete with 6 people, from May 14-19, so you might just follow in some of our footsteps/tire-tracks!! Here are some thoughts:

Here's a good map (click on it & it gets huuuuge) with all the roads & landmarks, to plan with:
http://www.explorecrete.com/crete-ma.../Crete-eot.png

DAY 3 -- Morning in Vamos ... the Vamos "store" offers a free do-it-yourself hike map that goes through some tiny hamlets & woods nearby, might consider doing that... OR -- drive on to Rethymnon, and get off hiway ONLY to see its amazing Fortezza, then head south on Hiway #97 to Spilli.. Stop in its tiny square for a drink from its famous fountain (24 lion heads, water straight from the snows of Mt Ida)... then detour inland to the western loop of the Amari Valley -- this "hidden eden" of farms, vineyards, villages is scenic & historic (many of the towns hve memorials, Nazis massacred their men for resistance in WW II) ... here's a link to an evocative essay: http://crete.wordpress.com/crete-art...-valley-crete/
-- emerge back to #97 down by Ag. Galini. Continue on down, driving by Phaestos, to stay in Matala ... try Die Zwei BRuder Pension.

DAY 4 -- Check out the Matala caves, have a swim, go see Phaestos Ayia Triada noonish. Drive N.E. on #97 (again;; it's a loop road). Might want to stop in Daphne (wine country) for a lunch. Don't Stay in Heraklion 2 nights! ... Instead, go up to Big GReen Road (E-75) turn s., drive PAST Knossos, stay in Arhanes. Google it, ancient town, w restored old bldgs to stay in.

DAY 5 -- Hit Knossos early ... have lunch somewhere. If you drive in to Heraklion FORCE your rental guy when u get the car to mark your city map EXACTLY how to go... that city is a Hell of one-way streets & bad signage!! Drop bags at hotel. See Museum partial exhibit (actual museum is closed) explore town on foot, have a good mezedes dinner (Psara? near the Fortress). If u get into town by mid-day check terrif street market on 1866 Street right off the Fountain Square...

The drive south over the mountains from Rethymnon is a beautiful trip. I defer to travelerjan's experience and I like her itinerary, but I'd veer off to Plakias for a night.
Definitely, I agree that one night in Heraklion is enough and get to Knossos early.
BTW, I have only been in June/July so this may not apply to May, but when you approach Knossos you may be lured to park in lots connected by bus. However, if you drive on, you'll find much closer parking. Enjoy Crete!

Visit Falassarna Beach and then drive south to Elafonisi Beach. They are totally different . First one remindd us of Cape Cod, the second of the Bahamas. Drive back to Chiania via the inland route to see another part of the island.

Travelerjan - Completely amazing and insanely helpful. Thanks you very much.

Parosblue - I will look into Plakias as well and thanks for the tip on parking.

HappyTrvlr - Much appreciated.